FT reports EU imports of LNG from Russia's Yamal project reached a record 9.89
mln t in 1H2026, up 18% YoY, Kpler data show. NGO Urgewald estimates Europe may
have paid up to €6 bln for those cargos. Biggest buyers were France (3.6 mln t),
Belgium (2.9 mln t) and Spain (2.7 mln t). Under current EU rules purchases of
Russian LNG via short-term contracts are banned, requiring customs to verify
imports are covered by long-term contracts; from Jan. 1, 2027 the EU will ban
imports of Russian LNG under long-term contracts.
